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Tiny meditation shelters are the perfect place for hikers to connect with the forest

These tiny meditation shelters offer protection and a place to rest for hikers exploring the Lithuanian forests. The shelters are a place where people can find solitude to reconnect with nature and find harmony with the environment. A slithering stone pathway that weaves throughout the forest garden was inspired by a Lithuanian fairy tale about serpents.

The project, named Gapahuk, is part of a larger Meditation Garden designed by Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio which won the American Architecture Prize 2016. Used for individual meditation and as a place where hikers can rest and get warm, this cluster of shelters was built during the Human Birdhouse Workshop in Lithuania last August. The team cleared a forest clearing and shaped pathways that naturally weave in and around the garden. Two fireplaces installed in front of the shelters are surrounded with sitting areas. Holy stones added to the site look like totems of masculine and feminine origin, while a symbolic stone pathway represents a Lithuanian fairy tale about serpents.

The workshop took place on the property of famous Lithuanian children books author, poet and film/theatre director Vytautas V. Landsbergis. The idea was to design and build architecture in the style of Constructive Shamanism, which brings together architects, builders and spiritual practitioners to strengthen and reveal the connection between humans and nature. References to Lithuanian mythology dominate the project, with visitors participating in spiritual ceremonies and singing mantras around a bonfire.

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Tiny meditation shelters are the perfect place for hikers to connect with the forest

Gapahuk huts

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These small meditation shelters offer protection and a place to rest to hikers exploring the Lithuanian forest of Anykščiai. The project, named Gapahuk, is part of a larger Meditation Garden designed by Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio which has won the American Architecture Prize 2016.

Gapahuk huts 3

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Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

Gapahuk huts 2

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Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

4 of 21

These small meditation shelters offer protection and a place to rest to hikers exploring the Lithuanian forest of Anykščiai. The project, named Gapahuk, is part of a larger Meditation Garden designed by Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio which has won the American Architecture Prize 2016.

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

5 of 21

The shelters are meant to provide a space where people can reconnect with nature and find harmony with the environment.

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

6 of 21

Used for individual meditation and as a place where hikers can rest and get warm, this cluster of shelters was built during the Human Birdhouse Workshop in Lithuania last August.

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

7 of 21

The team cleared a forest clearing and shaped pathways that naturally weave in and around the garden.

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

8 of 21

Two fireplaces installed in front of the shelters are surrounded with sitting areas.

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

9 of 21

Holy stones added to the site look like totems of masculine and feminine origin, while a symbolic stone pathway represents a Lithuanian fairy tale about serpents.

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

10 of 21

The workshop took place on the property of famous Lithuanian children books author, poet and film/theatre director Vytautas V. Landsbergis.

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

11 of 21

The idea was to design and build architecture in the style of Constructive Shamanism, which brings together architects, builders and spiritual practitioners to strengthen and reveal the connection between humans and nature.

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

12 of 21

References to Lithuanian mythology dominate the project, with visitors participating in spiritual ceremonies and singing mantras around a bonfire.

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

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Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

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Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

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Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

Photo by Lina Pilibaviciute

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

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Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

Photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

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Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

Photo by Lina Pilibaviciute

Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

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Gapahuk by Bjørnådal Arkitektsudio

Gapahuk huts 3 banner

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These tiny meditation shelters offer protection and a place to rest for hikers exploring the Lithuanian forests. The shelters are a place where people can find solitude to reconnect with nature and find harmony with the environment. A slithering stone pathway that weaves throughout the forest garden was inspired by a Lithuanian fairy tale about serpents.

Gapahuk huts 2 banner

20 of 21

These tiny meditation shelters offer protection and a place to rest for hikers exploring the Lithuanian forests. The shelters are a place where people can find solitude to reconnect with nature and find harmony with the environment. A slithering stone pathway that weaves throughout the forest garden was inspired by a Lithuanian fairy tale about serpents.

Gapahuk huts banner

21 of 21

These tiny meditation shelters offer protection and a place to rest for hikers exploring the Lithuanian forests. The shelters are a place where people can find solitude to reconnect with nature and find harmony with the environment. A slithering stone pathway that weaves throughout the forest garden was inspired by a Lithuanian fairy tale about serpents.